IRIS SHOWS 2013

Iris 'Irwell Angels Dream'

ACCENT ON IRIS FLOWER SHOW
Burrell Creek Hall, The Bucketts Way
Burrell Creek, New South Wales
17 km’s from the Taree Service Centre or 17 km’s north of Krambach.
19th October, 2013
Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
Quality Iris on Display and For Sale, also Daylilies and Fresh Flowers
Light Refreshments available
Do consider entering the flower show.You may win a prize for your effort,
or, just add to the days Spring display!
The Show Schedule is on the website, or contact Lyz to receive one.
Entry Cost: $3.00
KINSPIRIT IRIS & DAYLILY FARM
Phone 6559 1275

  
THE IRIS SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES REGION
2013 IRIS SHOW
Wentworth Falls School of Art Hall
Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls (near railway station)
October 26th, 2013
Saturday 9.00 am.to 4.00 pm.
All entries to be displayed on Friday, 25th October for judging that afternoon
Potted Iris, Rhizomes, Seeds, Craft Items, Cottage Plants for Sale,
Cultural Information, Lunch and Teas available
Admission $5 (Concessions for seniors) Children under 16 free
Wheelchair access
Information: 02 47842727
Email: dicoxiris@bigpond.com

MORRINSVILLE HORTICULTURE SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Campbell Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville
Friday, 1st November, 2013.
Entries at the hall on the morning of the day
Open to Public: 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Inquiries: Jan Kerkin
Ph: (07) 889 3607
Email: jan@kerkin.co.nz

HOBART HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. ROSE, IRIS & FLORAL ART SHOW
Hobart Town Hall – 50 Macquarie Street, Hobart   (opposite the GPO)
1st and 2nd November, 2013
Friday 1.00 - 6.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm.
Please come along on Thursday night or Friday morning to enter some exhibits in the novice section.
There is no cost to entering any of these shows.  New exhibitors desperately needed. 
Tubes and vases can be provided or you can use clean green bottles if you have them.
Other iris members are present on Thursday night to help show you how to display your irises.
Admission is free 

POVERTY BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Showgrounds Park and Events Centre, Gisborne
2nd & 3rd November 2013
Saturday 1.30 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 9.30 am - 3.30pm.
Entry fee is $5 adults, children free.
For further details contact the Show Secretary, Jill Coates, 06 8631310.

RANGITIKEI IRIS SHOW 2013
Palmerston North Leisure Centre, 569 Ferguson Street.
2nd & 3rd November 2013
Saturday 1.00 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4.00pm. 
Public welcome to exhibit at 10am on Saturday.
Free to exhibit and free admission.
Sales tables with over 300 plants, and raffles.
Contact Julie 06 3579925.
 

MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2013 IRIS SHOW
Young Citizens Hall, Chapel Street, Kuripuni, Masterton
Saturday, 2nd November 2013 1pm-4pm, 
Display of Irises, Plant Sales, and Christmas Raffle
Admission $2.00
New rule ; To continue exhibiting after the first year you must pay $10.00 fee and become a member.

HUTT VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
Horticultural Hall, Laings Rd, Lower Hutt
9th, & 10th November, 2013
Saturday 12.00pm. - 4.30 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4pm.
All entries must be received by 9.30 am on Saturday morning of the show
Judging commences at 10.30 am sharp
Entry fee is $2.50 adults, members & children free.
For further details contact the Secretary (04) 479 5548

MARTINBOROUGH ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Martinborough Town Hall,
Saturday 9th November 2013
12.00 noon until 4.00pm
Everyone is encouraged to enter their blooms.
Admission Gold coin Donation

We encourage everyone to enter their blooms.

We encourage everyone to enter their blooms.

For a Show Schedule and All Inquiries
Contact Maree Roy (06) 3069319 or Yvonne Harvey (06) 3069553

HAWERA AUTO COURT EGMONT A & P ASSOCIATION SUMMER SHOW
Showgrounds, Burnside Avenue, Hawera
15th & 16th November 2012
Home Industries including Iris and Flower Show, Cattle, Equestrian, Dog Trial, Tractor Pull, Kidzone.

NELSON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE AND IRIS SHOW 2013
The Nelson Horticultural Society Inc. are holding their Rose and Iris Show
Sunday 17th November 2013 at the at the Granary, Founders Park, Nelson
From 10.00 am -5 pm. Entry $5 adults, children free.

 TIMARU HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
Caroline Bay Hall, Timaru.
16th & 17th November, 2013
Saturday 2.00 - 5.00 pm. Sunday 11.00am - 4.30pm.
Irises, Roses, cut flowers, container plants, orchids, alpine and rock garden plants, bonsai, floral art, fruit and vegetables.
Braggers Corner for large or unusual vegetables and plants
Admission $3.00 adults, or a membership ticket, children free.
For further details contact the Secretary, Ted Falvey (03) 684 3760

The above is a list of Australian and New Zealand 2013 Iris Shows to date. If you require a show schedule or times to stage your blooms please do not hesitate to contact the Show Secretary's listed above. This post will be updated when I am notified of more shows. If you have a show you would like to add to the list leave details as a comment. 

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New Zealand Bred Aril Median Iris HAIDEE

New Zealand Bred and classified as a Arilbred Median (AB-MED), it also has the classification from the Aril Society as OGB- which is a  a hybrid containing any combination of oncocyclus and regelia and other eupogon irises. To simplify things this iris at 14 inches has the same height requirements as a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris to give you an idea of size, it just has different mix of iris genetics. 'Haidee' blooms have striking and vibrant rose lavender standards and falls of a darker rose lavender tone. Small lighter violet highlights around a deeper violet beard. Growth is less than average but I am sure this is one of those irises that I will have to find the right spot to grow in order for it to be a success. Difficult to bred with because of its varied chromosome count derived from its parentage.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Richmond, Nelson. Catalogue 2006-2007 Issue 56
HAIDEE (Catton 1979) Lavender standards, falls flushed rose. Brown hafts, purple beards......................$6.00

Aril Society International Checklist 2010
HAIDEE  OGB-  (Hilmary Catton, R. 1979).  Sdlg. C731-10.  AB-MED (1/4), 14” (36 cm).  S. lavender; F. lavender, washed rose; light brown hafts; deep violet beard.  Myra X Saracen Warrior.  Wyuna, 1979-80.  [APTT]  

I purchased this iris last year from Richmond Iris Gardens but it has not been listed this season, so maybe next year.
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. 
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'KINKAID'

Over the next week or so I have the privilege to feature 4 more New Zealand Bred Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises hybridised by Noel Lapham and available for sale this year from Mossburn Iris Gardens.
Noel tells me that KINKAID was very popular last season and that he will be Breeding with it this season, grows well. Its one that's on my order sheet

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
KINKAID Noel Lapham, Reg. 2011 Sdlg. 07-11/1. SDB, 11" (28 cm), E.  Standards, dark violet, light lemon ground; style arms light violet, deeper midrib; Falls, white ground, dark violet rim and veins; beards white, tipped purple at end, deep yellow in throat. Chubby Cheeks X Lore. Mossburn Iris Garden 2011.

A 'Huge Hat tip' to Bev and Noel for the use of their photo.
Photo Copyright and Credit Mossburn Iris Gardens

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris IRWELL GRACE

Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Irwell Grace' flowering for me today.  Standards painted a bright blended salmon pink that compliment the apricot melon falls that have a burgundy brown wash on the edge of the hafts which continues in lighter tones around the edge of the falls. Brilliant light blue beards heavily tipped a luminous red tangerine. Two or three well sized flowers per stem and a sweet light perfume. The form is impeccable and 'Irwell Grace' will quickly become a garden favourite no matter who's garden it grows in. By the looks of things Jean Stevens 'Forest Glade' will be next maybe tomorrow.  Both these irises are growing in terracotta pots so are early compared to the garden growers.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL GRACE  Ron Busch, Reg. 2010 Sdlg. 1-952. SDB, 12" (30 cm), M S. bright pink; style arms pink; F. pink washed cream; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

I purchased this iris last year from Mossburn Iris Gardens it wasn't catalogued but I asked them nicely and they obliged, so maybe if you ask nice.....

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'IRWELL HONESTY'

Flowering in Auckland yesterday, this stunning Iris is the first iris bloom of the season from the Ron Busch incredible legacy he left behind. It's aptly named as the bloom has a transparency and the stirations have the colour tone that echo the perennial 'Lunaria annua' more commonly known in this part of the world as 'Honesty'.
Carol Rogerson of 'Kiwi Iris Delights' has a great collection of Ron's Irises sent me the photo and describes this stunning little wonder as  "Very pretty, to me looks a bit like a silk painting with blends of blues, purples and lemon. 'Irwell Honesty' increases well, another very sturdy little one, spicy fragrance. Lightning up here, today is dreadful, managed to get this shot in between hail and thunder."

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL HONESTY  Ron Busch, Reg., 2010. Sdlg. 3-947. SDB, 12" (30 cm), E. S. pink washed violet; style arms lemon; F. blue washed gold, edged gold, veined wine-red around beard; beards orange, violet at end. Parentage unknown.

A 'Huge Hat tip' to Carol Rogerson for the use of her photo and for her candid comments.
Photo Copyright and Credit Carol Rogerson

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL GAMBLER

It's very rare to find a twenty first century New Zealand bred Iris growing in America yet here we have one. Photo taken of 'Irwell Gambler' growing in the garden of Betty Jacobs, Bakersfield, California. Betty writes "After the plant arrived in the States it took three years to bloom finally doing so in the Spring of 2011 -- and WOW!  How I loved it!"
I have seen 'Irwell Gambler' growing in several New Zealand gardens and been impressed with it's strong growth, good branching, good bud count, and it's ability in the right growing conditions to quickly form a good clump. A brilliant and very flashy variegata with its bright lightly ruffled lemon standards with bold rich plum falls that are enhanced by the softer plum toned ruffled edge. The ring of white striations surrounding the lemon beards contributes to the very masculine look.

Waimate Iris Garden, Final Catalogue 2007
New Introductions
Irwell Gambler, Busch 2007 (NZ), Heather Pryor's choice. Lemon standards. Plum red falls with paler edge and white veining around the beards.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL GAMBLER  Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdgl.8888/1 TB, 38″, (97cm), M. S. and style arms lemon; F. plum red, ¼″ paler edge; 1″ area of white veining around  lemon beard. Snow Spoon X Extravagant. Rossmore Gardens 2007. Waimate Iris Garden 2007.

Snow Spoon is the pod parent so there could be good breeding lines for space age irises if someone is interested in giving it a go.

Commercially grown in New Zealand by several growers and occasionally sold on Trade Me
Clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.

Huge Hat tip to Betty Jacobs for the use of her photo and candid comments
Photo credit Betty Jacobs
Copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL DESERT SANDS

It's not everyday you see a Lemon plicata so Ron Busch's 'Irwell Desert Sands' is a welcome addition to the colour-tone. With bright golden lemon standards and similarly coloured falls that are sprinkled with cinnamon plicata markings that fade half way down the falls, this gives the bloom a burst of cinnamon colour highlighting the bright orange beards. Falls are also enhanced with a lighter tone of lemon striations for their full length. Blooms are wide and flared, with just the right amount of ruffling and appear in the mid season on 95cm tall well branched show quality spikes with eight buds. This is an excellent garden iris with robust growth, health and vigour. Increase is good and performs well on the Show Bench.(Queen of the Show, Rangitikei Iris Group Flower Show 2008)

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL DESERT SANDS Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdlg. 316-9559 TB. 38″, (97 cm), M. S. and style arms lemon; F. lemon ground, light cinnamon plicata markings over all, cinnamon shoulders; beards cinnamon orange.
Involved parentage which includes Latin Lover, Lula Marguerite, Velvet Robes, Laurie, Earthling, Rococo, Taholah, June Meredith,Youthful Charm, Gaylord, Pinnacle, Commentary, Bang, Emma Cook, Melodrama X Youthful Charm, Commentary, Jungle Fire, Latin Lover, Velvet Robes, Laurie, Melodrama, Emma Cook, Pipes of Pan, Wild Apache, Gaylord, Pinnacle, Rich Melody, Tea Apron, Siva Siva. Rossmore Iris Gardens 2008

I would like to give a large hat tip to Carol Rogerson, the owner of “Kiwi Iris Delights” for growing and promoting New Zealand Bred Irises and for supplying the above fantastic photo, and also a Big Hat tip to Ron Busch,a most discriminating hybridiser.

As always clicking on any of the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.

Photo copyright Carol Rogerson.

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IRIS SHOWS 2012

ACCENT ON IRIS FLOWER SHOW
20th October, 2012
Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
Burrell Creek Hall, The Bucketts Way
Burrell Creek, New South Wales
17 km’s from the Taree Service Centre or 17 km’s north of Krambach.
Quality Iris on Display and For Sale, also Daylilies and Fresh Flowers
Light Refreshments available
Do consider entering the flower show.You may win a prize for your effort,
or, just add to the days Spring display!
The Show Schedule is on the website, or contact Lyz to receive one.
Entry Cost: $3.00
KINSPIRIT IRIS & DAYLILY FARM
Phone 6559 1275
www.kinspirit.com.au

THE IRIS SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES REGION
2012 IRIS SHOW
School of Art Hall
Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls (near railway station)
October 27th - 28th, 2012
Saturday 11.30am.to 4.00 pm.
Sunday 9.00 am. to 3 pm.
Potted Iris, Rhizomes, Seeds, Craft Items, Cottage Plants for Sale,
Cultural Information, Lunch and Teas available
Admission $5 (Concessions) Children under 16 free
Wheelchair access
Information: 02 47842727
Email: dicoxiris@bigpond.com

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN IRIS SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW
October 27th - 28th, 2012
Goodwood Community Centre, 32 - 34 Rosa St Goodwood.
Bearded, Japanese, Spuria, Louisiana and Pacific Coast Iris for sale.
Talks and demonstrations. Admission $3

MORRINSVILLE HORTICULTURE SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Campbell Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville
Friday, November 2nd 2012
Entries at the hall on the day
Open to Public: 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Inquiries: Jan Kerkin
Ph: (07) 889 3607
Email: jan@kerkin.co.nz

HOBART HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. ROSE, IRIS & FLORAL ART SHOW
2nd and 3rd November, 2012
Friday 1.00 - 6.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm.
Please come along on Thursday night or Friday morning to enter some exhibits in the novice section. 
There is no cost to entering any of these shows.  New exhibitors desperately needed.  
Tubes and vases can be provided or you can use clean green bottles if you have them. 
Other iris members are present on Thursday night to help show you how to display your irises.
Hobart Town Hall – 50 Macquarie Street, Hobart   (opposite the GPO)
Admission is free

MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2012 IRIS SHOW
Young Citizens Hall, Chapel Street, Kuripuni, Masterton
Display of Irises, Plant Sales, and Christmas Raffle
1pm-4pm, Saturday, 3rd November 2012 Admission $2.00
We encourage everyone to enter their blooms. You do not have to be a member to exhibit

HUTT VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
10th, & 11th November, 2012
Saturday 1.30 - 4.30 pm. Sunday 9.30 am - 4pm.
All entries must be received by 9.30 am on Saturday morning of the show
Judging commences at 10.30 am sharp
Horticultural Hall, Laings Rd, Lower Hutt
Entry fee is $2.50 adults, children free.
For further details contact the Secretary (04) 479 5548

MARTINBOROUGH ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Saturday 10th November 2012
12.00 noon until 4.00pm
Martinborough Town Hall,
Admission Gold coin Donation
For a Show Schedule and All Inquiries
Contact Maree Roy (06) 3069319 or Yvonne Harvey (06) 3069553

POVERTY BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
10th & 11th November 2012
Showgrounds Park and Events Centre, Gisborne
Saturday 1.30 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 9.30 am - 3.30pm.
Entry fee is $4 adults, children free.
For further details contact the Show Secretary, Anne Pole, 06 868 5245

O'DEA HONDA EGMONT A & P ASSOCIATION SUMMER SHOW
Featuring the Topp Twins,
Showgrounds, Burnside Avenue, Hawera
16th & 17th November 2012
Home Industries including Iris and Flower Show, Cattle, Equestrian, Dog Trial, Tractor Pull, Kidzone.
www.egmontshowgrounds.org.nz

TIMARU HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
17th & 18th November, 2012
Saturday 2.00 - 5.00 pm. Sunday 1.00 - 4.30pm.
Caroline Bay Hall, TIMARU
Irises, Roses, cut flowers, container plants, orchids, alpine and rock garden plants, bonsai, floral art, fruit and vegetables.
Braggers Corner for large or unusual vegetables and plants
Entry fee is $3.00 adults, or a membership ticket, children free
For further details contact the Secretary, Ted Falvey (03) 684 3760

NELSON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE AND IRIS SHOW 2012
The Nelson Horticultural Society Inc. are holding their Rose and Iris Show
in conjunction with the NELSON GROWABLES GARDEN FAIR
Sunday 18th November 2012 at the at the Granary, Founders Park, Nelson
From 10.00 am -5 pm. Entry $5 adults, children free.
For further details contact the Show Secretary, Carol Hughes, (03) 547 9563

The above is a list of Australian and New Zealand 2012 Iris Shows to date. If you require a show schedule or times to stage your blooms please do not hesitate to contact the Show Secretary's listed above. This post will be updated when I am notified of more shows. If you have a show you would like to add to the list leave details as a comment.

Variety of the Iris used in the feature shot is Ron Busch amazing Tall Bearded Iris 'Southern Autumn'

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall Bearded Iris 'NORMA OF IRWELL' wins the Dykes Medal 2012

Tall Bearded Iris 'Norma of Irwell' has been awarded the Dykes Medal (NZ) for 2012, hybridised by New Zealand's wizard of Tall bearded Iris breeding Ron Busch and named after Ron's lovely wife. Introduced by Julie May from 'The Iris Garden' who has always raved about this iris. Well substanced blooms with dark violet ruffled and slightly open standards with even darker violet slightly flared and ruffled falls that has an eye catching small white area beneath the violet tipped bronze beards, oh and not forgetting the very good branching and great plant health that we have all come to expect from the Busch breeding lines.
A magnificent Iris from an magnificent breeder and my heartfelt congratulations to Ron.

2012 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
NORMA OF IRWELL Ron Busch, Reg., 2008. Sdlg. 91-200. TB, 34″, (86 cm), M. Standards and style arms deep purple; Falls, Violet purple, white around beard; Beard bronze tipped violet. (Vigilant X Edith Wolford) X ( Honky Tonk Blues X Brookside) The Iris Garden, 2008. Dykes Medal 2012 (NZ).

It is appropriate to use Ron's own photo of his award winning Iris
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit Ron Busch. Copyright Iris Hunter.

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris MAGIC RAY

'Magic Ray' a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris bred by the late Hilmary Catton of Hawkes Bay. An early stand out bloomer with a delightfully tailored form,creamy white standards and falls, hafts softly reticulated chartreuse gold, bright orange beards, its like a very early flowering mini version of Jean Stevens 'Magnolia'. A vigorous grower clumping up well with bright green clean foliage and great plant health. Received the Lucy Delany Memorial Award at the reported to be very wet Taranaki Iris Safari, 1994, which is a testament to 'Magic Ray's' substance and it never lets the weather conditions get the better of it.

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
MAGIC RAY Mrs H. Catton, Reg., 1987. Sdlg. C79-20-2;. SDB, 12″, (30 cm), M. S. deep cream; lemon styles; F. cream, edged lemon deep chartreuse rays from orange beard. Spring Bells X White Lightning. Wyuna Iris Garden, 1987. Lucy Delany Award. 1994 (NZ).

I've never been on a Iris Safari, I wonder if is like the 'Road to Zanzibar'?? you know driving around Taranaki in open top Landrovers looking at irises through binoculars. Probably not when you come to think of it as that would require a sense of fun and adventure.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris IRWELL DELIGHT

In 1999 Ron Busch released and registered 5 Standard Dwarf Irises which just disappeared below the Iris World radar. No photos, no reports in Journals,they almost only existed as just 5 entries in a Checklist. I have been very fortunate to discovered that four out of the five beauties have taken up residency at Carol Rogerson of South Pacific Epiphyllums Nursery.

One of the 'discovered' is pictured above, the Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'IRWELL DELIGHT'. As I do not grow this iris I asked Carol to share her thoughts on how well this iris grows in her South Auckland garden.

"It delights us with its main flush of flowers in late spring. I have noticed it has a tendency to send out blooms at varying times after the main bloom in my climate. Flowers reach the registered height. It has very pretty flowers with luminous colourings and almost appears to have a metallic sheen on the falls, that are gently ruffled and flared. Blooms hold up well in rain and humidity doesn’t bother it. Exceptionally vigorous and clumps up quickly to form a good healthy clump. Very popular last season and will be offered again next season (2012-2013)..................................each $6.00."

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL DELIGHT Ron Busch Reg., 1999. Sdlg. 93D34-87. SDB, 12″, (31cm), ML. S. pale lavender; F. old gold; beards lavender. Parentage unknown. Irwell Iris Garden, 1999.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit Carol Rogerson. Copyright Iris Hunter.

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL ROYAL

In the year 1997 Ron Busch registered the iris 'Irwell Royal', becoming the first of many Irises to be registered by Ron with the prefix 'Irwell'. Strong and vigorous growth and plant shows good health. Full and pleasantly ruffled light purple standards sets a striking contrast to the plush velvety purple of the falls with a nicely ruffled edge. Golden bronze beards that end with a hint of amethyst complete this exquisitely coloured ensemble. Slight fragrance.

Rossmore Iris Garden, Iris catalogue 2008/2009
Standards Purple, falls rich velvet purple with bronze beards. Ruffled.

South Pacific Epiphyllums Nursery Online catalogue 2012-2013, Carol Rogerson writes;
Large ruffled flowers held well on tall strong stems, ( would be registered height or thereabouts) Strong colourings that make a real statement in the garden. Later season blooming here, wind and rain resistant, fast to increase, purple bottom foliage, in my opinion an ideal iris for more northern climates, humidity doesn’t worry it. Would look stunning in a large mass planting. Hope to offer again this year $12.00

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL ROYAL Mr. R.W. Busch Reg., 1997. Sdlg. L10. TB. 36″, (91 cm) M. S. Purple; F. Rich velvety purple; beards bronze; ruffled, flared; slight fragrance. Parentage unknown. Irwell Iris Garden, 1997.

A Big hat tip to Carol Rogerson for her super fine photo above.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Carol Rogerson and Heritage Irises ©.

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New Zealand Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'ANA'

This heirloom iris now more than 35 years old and still has grace and charm. Growth is of moderate increase and has good plant health. Blooms have better than average substance, but as the photo shows its chief defect has been that it blooms a bit short which leads to the blooms some seasons getting lost in the foliage. Could make a good parent for someone interested in chasing the green lineage. Colour combination is good and falls shows the dominance of its 'Green Spot' parentage. Plant was purchased some years ago from Richmond Iris Garden and their 1999 catalogue description was simply 'Greenish cream', unfortunately they do not list this iris any-more.

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
ANA Mrs F. Love, Reg., 1977. SDB, 10″ (25 cm), M. S. white; F. pale green with darker green thumbprint and white edges. (Knotty Pine x R5A) X Green Spot. Hauauru Gardens 1978.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris "IRWELL SURPRISE"

 Truly wonderful new entries into the New Zealand iris world are few and far between but every now and again even my iris world gets a surprise. 

Its a sensational Iris that caught me completely unaware arriving in the form of a photo sent by Carol Rogerson the owner of South Pacific Epiphyllums who grows this iris. I had never seen this iris before even though it was registered in 2006.
It could of been called 'Caught me by Surprise' but then again when thinking of the varieties Ron has introduced to date he could of also have called it 'No Surprise Really' and I would have had to agreed.Now I know that the irises of Ron Busch have not had a smooth ride to success but you can't keep a good thing down forever.
Nothing like a visionary emissary to remind us of the wondrous Irwell Iris we all have to look forward to in the coming years.

I have had the privilege of reading Ron's very complicated Breeding notes and whilst the original registration states the parentage as 'Involved Irwell seedling lines', I have taken the liberty to fill in the missing parents. It does seem that broken color is most often linked with plicata, one way or another, and you will note the inclusion of various plicatas on both sides of the parentage.

2010 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL SURPRISE  Ron Busch, Reg., 2006. Sdlg. 1226. TB, 36″, (91 cm), ML. S. coffee cream over orange base; style arms orange; F. orange brown, deeper veining; beards tangerine.Involved parentage that includes Wild Apache, Youthful Charm, Rococo, Taholah, Tea Apron, Lula Marguerite, Velvet Robes, Laurie X  Tea Apron, Rococo, Youthful Charm, Latin Love, Velvet Robes, Lula Marguerite, Laurie, Earthling, Cutie, Pipes of Pan, Rich Melody, Melodrama; Rossmore Iris Gardens 2008

Photo Credit and Copyright Carol Rogerson, South Pacific Epiphyllums

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